Married couple at Cushmans die within days of each other

Fiona Hobson, partner in property management, and Charles Pratley, senior surveyor in facilities management at Cushman & Wakefield Manchester, have died in quick succession.

Hobson had taken time off work to be with her husband in his final days before he lost his battle with cancer at the start of last week. She later reported feeling unwell and died a few days after her husband. The couple leave behind two teenage children.

John Keyes, head of the Manchester office of Cushman & Wakefield, said: “We are devastated by the loss of our friends and colleagues, Fiona and Charles. Our team is shocked and saddened by this family tragedy, losing them both within days of each other. All of our thoughts are with their family at this very difficult time.”

Phillip Taylor, UK head of asset services at Cushman & Wakefield, said: “Fiona and Charlie were extremely supportive colleagues and always delivered the best possible advice and service to their clients. Both have not only played an integral part in our business by working on large key accounts but have also supported the firm in many other ways through their wider contribution to our business.”

Hobson joined Cushman & Wakefield in September 2007 and previously worked for Jones Lang LaSalle and DTZ. She was originally based in London and transferred to Manchester in 1996. She specialised in managing retail assets and her significant assignments included The Rock shopping centre mandate in Bury, the Aviva Investment Trust portfolio and Everything Everywhere’s non-occupational portfolio.

Pratley joined Cushman & Wakefield in November 2013 from MCR Property Group. He previously worked for Hyndburn Council and Dolan Pratley & Associates.